THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Why Should I Care About Noxious Weeds?

Submitted by Melissa Griffiths

Project Coordinator, MVRG Weed Committee

Noxious weeds are a serious environmental threat that is affecting and degrading natural ecosystems throughout the West. Left unchecked, they will likely continue to expand their ranges and negatively impact the environment on which we all depend for our enjoyment, recreation and/or livelihood. That is the bad news. The good news is that while we may all have different ideas about how to control these invasive species, we can generally agree that they do need to be treated and their spread limited.

While we do have extensive weed problems in Madison County, we can still take a look around the state and count ourselves somewhat lucky. Not to promote the “us vs. them,” but really, it could always be worse. In the meantime though, there are a few basic principles that can help us limit the spread of noxious weeds in our backyard. The first and foremost tool would be PREVENTION.

Being on the lookout for new invaders and quickly responding to any new populations of weeds is by far the most effective tool in protecting our lands. However, once a noxious weed has become established, we can limit their spread by interrupting the seed production of these plants through a variety of control methods. If done consistently, these noxious weeds will be limited and eventually controlled.

Should you find yourself with noxious weeds on your property, know that there is no one way to best deal with the problem. Noxious weed managers like to refer to the many different treatment methods as items in a “toolbox,” and the best tool is one that will work for you and your individual land management goals. Some of the more popular tools include herbicide application, the use of biological control agents, mowing, hand-pulling, grazing and burning.

No one tool is best, and in fact the most effective control is often found when more than one tool is used at a time. For example, leafy spurge control is often enhanced when biological control agents are utilized along with prescription grazing or herbicide treatment. Likewise, different plants respond differently to various treatment methods. While hand-pulling is great for tap-rooted species such as houndstongue, it will only stimulate the growth of rhizomatous perennial weeds such as Canada thistle or Dalmatian toadflax. It’s important to know as much as possible about the plants you’re trying to control before implementing treatment.

There are lots of great resources to help you learn more about noxious weeds. The Montana Weed Control Association has a great website full of weed identification resources, general information and helpful contacts – mtweed.org. Additionally, the Conservation Concept Series, offered through Ennis Continuing Education, will focus on local noxious weeds and invasive grasses in their last workshop at Ennis Elementary, March 14, 6-8 p.m. (call 406-682-7289 to RSVP).

For help identifying weeds on your property, cost-share information or treatment recommendations, please contact the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group’s Weed Committee at (406) 682-3731 or the Madison County Weed Board at (406) 842-5595.

Remember, the best treatment method is prevention, so be informed and be vigilant. Let’s work together to preserve and protect the environmental health of the Madison Valley and surrounding areas.

Featured: 
Add Article to Front Page Categorized News

More Information

The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
Susanne Hill, billing: s.hill@madisoniannews.com 
Ad orders, inserts, classifieds: connect@madisoniannews.com 
Comment Here